Ostomy Coupling with Enclosed Air Volume for Sealing and Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ostomy appliances face challenges in providing effective sealing and load-bearing capabilities simultaneously, leading to potential leakage and discomfort due to the conflicting demands of attachment and seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising a sealing wafer and a collecting bag with a first coupling part having an enclosed volume of air, allowing mechanical flexibility and improved sealing, and a separate load-bearing structure to manage the weight of the collecting bag, ensuring both sealing and load-bearing functions are optimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coupling structure is used to both seal and bear load, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to conflicting functional demands
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate coupling parts: a first coupling part that provides sealing functionality and a second coupling part that provides load-bearing functionality. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, with the first coupling part forming a seal against the skin and the second coupling part supporting the weight of the collecting bag, thereby resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and sealing reliability.
2Strength
If the coupling part is made rigid to bear load, then the load-bearing strength is improved, but the adaptability to body movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second coupling part is designed with non-uniform thickness, being thicker in regions that require higher strength and stiffness for load-bearing, and thinner in regions where flexibility is needed to conform to body movements. This local variation in structural properties allows the same component to simultaneously achieve both load-bearing strength and adaptability to body movements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves enhanced sealing properties by allowing the coupling parts to conform to body movements while distributing the load effectively, minimizing leakage and improving user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The first coupling part comprises an enclosed volume of air. The enclosed volume of air is at least partially enclosed by the first base portion, the second base portion and the connecting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy appliance coupling system includes a first coupling part with a gas-impermeable layer forming an enclosed volume of air, with the gas-impermeable layer sealed to one of a sealing wafer and an ostomy bag. A second coupling part is connected to an opposite one of the sealing wafer and the ostomy bag. A depression in the second coupling part is shaped to receive and couple with a protruding member of the first coupling part to removably couple the ostomy bag to the sealing wafer.